The National Enquirer reports that Hanks was filling up his car at a petrol station in the wealthy Los Angeles district of Pacific Palisades when he was approached by a couple who had just seen him in Crowne, which Hanks also wrote and directed. When Hanks asked if they had enjoyed it, the man replied that it wasn't that good, while his partner politely explained that they had come to expect more from their favourite actor.

Hanks is then reported to have apologised and offered to refund their ticket money. He then reached into his pocket and pulled out $25, which the couple eventually accepted.

Larry Crowne was something of a passion project for Hanks, who starred as a man who goes back to school after being made redundant. It failed to attract much critical fervour and was also a dud at the box office. Despite having appeared in more than his fair share of turkeys recently, Hanks remains one of Hollywood's highest paid stars. He was recently reported to have banked $35m last year thanks largely due to his role as the voice of Woody in Toy Story 3.